New Jersey Devils NCAA Prospect Update

An update that will look at the development of Future Devils competing in the WCHA, CCHA and Hockey East

1.) David Hale, Defense, North Dakota, sophomore year

North Dakota has had a tough spell over the last month going 3-4-1, including four straight loses between WCHA rivals MSU-Mankato and Wisconsin. Hale is playing well defensively with the Fighting Sioux, as he is one of their top three blueliners. In their last game before the Christmas break, David tallied an assist on Chris Fournier’s game winning goal, he was also a +3 on the day. Hale’s offensive production is not what makes him so valuable to North Dakota. David is a large, stay at home defensemen can physically punish a team, clear the net, work along the boards and participate on the occasional special team assignment.

2001/02 stats: 16 games, 1 g, 2 a, 33 PIM

2.) Paul Martin, Defense, University of Minnesota, sophomore year

With the exception of the Mariucci Classic, Minnesota will have about a month off between games. In a win against Denver, Paul was left all alone on the side of the net and put away first goal of the game in a 2-1 win. Martin has been very strong for the Gophers in the last month. He is playing on the number one power play unit. Paul still needs to add some extra weight and develop a physical presence in front of the net and along the board instead of totally relying on his pure skill and talent. Paul has twenty points on the current season. It took him all 37 games last year to total the same amount.

2001/02 stats: 14 games, 4 g, 16 a, 14 PIM

3.) Matt DeMarchi, Defense, University of Minnesota, junior year

After a shaky start returning from his injury, Matt is in the full swing and has improved on the offensive side of the puck. He still remains a key penalty-killer and a physical force for the Golden Gophers who are happy to have him back. His lone goal of the season was in a game with Michigan where he tallied a third period unassisted score in a 5-2 game. In the last game before the break, Matt helped out on a Matt Koalska goal in a loss to Denver.

2001/02 stats: 10 game, 1 g, 3 a, 24 PIM

4.) Chris Hartsburg, Center, Colorado College, senior season

The Tigers of Colorado College have turned it over that last month with a record 7-1-1 and are positioning themselves to become an outside contender in the WCHA. The otherwise defensive right winger Hartsburg has also contributed to the offensive success of the team. Chris has scored four points, including two power play goals in his last eight games. In a non-conference game against Clarkson, Chris tallied two goals, one on the powerplay. More recently, in their last game against St. Cloud, a 5-1 win, Hartsburg tallied a helper. Chris has seen most of his time with center Joe Cullen as the checking line, especially against the stronger teams. But when Colorado College faces a weaker opponent, Chris will get his opportunity on the second or third line with senior Matt Cullen.

2000/01 stats: 14 games, 3 goals, 3 assists, 24 PIM

5.) Kenny Magowan, Forward, Boston University, sophomore season

Kenny Magowan is having a good start in his second season with the Terriers. The 6’2”, 208-pound winger has seven points in the last nine games, for a total of 12 on the season with a +7. Magowan is playing a line with two other sophomore standouts, Gregg Johnson and Frantisek Skladany. All three combined have 40 points including two power play goals and two game winners. Boston University has two more games this weekend before breaking for the holidays.

2000/01 stats: 14 games, 2 goal, 10 assists, 8 PIM

6.) James Massen, Forward, North Dakota, freshman season

Two assists in two games is a certainly a way in which you will get noticed, especially if you are a freshman fighting for a permanent spot on the North Dakota roster. James, in the last two games before Christmas break tallied two assists in a double header against St. Lawrence. The first assist proved to be the game winner late in the third as defensemen Aaron Schneekloth pinched and scored half way through the third. Massen has been a regular in the Fighting Sioux line-up appearing in the last nine games. He has also seen more ice time as he has proven he belongs to coach Dean Blais.

2000/01 stats: 14 games, 0 g, 3 a, 10 PIM

7.) Aaron Voros, Forward, Alaska-Fairbanks, freshman season

Alaska-Fairbanks has improved to an overall record 9 and 7 record largely in part to a 5-1 run over the last 6 games. Aaron Voros is having an excellent first season in the collegiate ranks posting nine points in 18 games, including four points (3G, 1A) in conference games. The 6 foot 4 inch tall freshman is making a name for himself on the Nanooks squad and in the CCHA. As his talent progresses and he gains experience, Aaron will become more important to the UAK team.